Rabbi & Mrs. Shmuli pinson in honor of their last Shabbos in our shul. Tzeischem Leshalom on their move to New York. May it be meshane makom meshane mazal letova ulivracha.

Rabbis Zalman Friedman, Zali Munitz, Mendy Pinson and friends in honor of the Shmuli Pinson’s last Shabbos in our shul. Tzeischem Leshalom on their move to New York. May it be meshane makom meshane mazal letova ulivracha.

Inspiring Today's Youth to be the Leaders of TomorrowBy Rabbi Shimon Raichik

40 years ago the Rebbe introduced the12 pesukim for children. The 12 pesukim was part of a greater campaign. The campaign also intended that children learn more Torah in general, become more familiar with the basic and essential concepts of Judaism, learn pesukim and mamarei Chazal by heart, and help influence their friends and acquaintances to do the same. In 5741-1981 the Rebbe instituted Tzivos Hashem.

A person wrote the Rebbe expressing reservations about the Tzivos Hashem Campaign on the grounds that it is based on the glorification of the military and is an aggrandizement of arms, wars and battlefields.

The following are some excerpts from the Rebbe’s response.

A letter is hardly the proper medium to explain fully the reasons that impelled us to introduce the establishment of the Tzivos Hashem organization, the purpose of which is to bring young Jewish children closer to Torah and mitzvos, as I am glad to note you fully recognize. Needless to say, it was done only after due deliberation, which I can only briefly outline in this letter.

To begin with, “Tzivos Hashem” – as you surely know – is not a “foreign” idea. It is first mentioned in the Torah in reference to “G-d’s Hosts” who were liberated from Egyptian bondage. The term is clearly not used in the strict military sense. Rather it indicates that the Hosts who had been enslaved to Pharaoh to serve him, were now G-d’s Hosts, free to serve G-d, and G-d alone.

Of course, the Torah does not glorify militarism, war, and the like. On the contrary, “Its ways are ways of pleasantness and all its paths are peace.” And, as our Sages declare, “the Torah was given to bring peace into the world,” and “there is no greater Divine blessing than peace,” and much more in this vein.

When the “Tzivos Hashem” was instituted recently, careful consideration was given to using a minimum of military trappings, and only such as would be consistent with the spirit of the Torah. For example, “spying missions”, which you mention in your letter as one of your objections, was categorically excluded. Furthermore, the whole Campaign is limited to children of pre-Bar Mitzvah and pre-Bat Mitzvah age. The idea is that reaching that age they become full-fledged Jews, and by then they will have had the benefit of the experience, and will realize that it had served its purpose for them.

The question is: Since the term “Tzivos Hashem” would seem to some people to smack of “militarism,” what were the overriding reasons that outweighed such reservations as you expressed in your letter? Could not the same results be achieved through other means or other methods?

This brings us to the core of the problem.

As an educator, you know that children need motivation, but that is only one aspect of the problem. The most important aspect, in my opinion, in this day and age, is the lack of Kabolas Ol, not only of ol Malchus Shomayim, but also general submission to authority, including the authority of parents at home and of teachers in school and the authority of law and order in the street. There remains only the fear of punishment as a deterrent, but that fear has been reduced to a minimum because there has in recent years been what amounts to a breakdown of law enforcement, for reasons which need not be discussed here.

On the other hand, American children have been brought up on the spirit of independence and freedom, and on the glorification of personal prowess and smartness. It has cultivated a sense of cockiness and self-assurance to the extent that one who is bent on mischief or anti-social activity feels that one can outsmart a cop on the beat, and even a judge on the bench; and, in any event, there is little to fear in the way of punishment.

As with every health problem, physical, mental or spiritual, the cure lies not in treating the symptoms, but in attacking the cause, although the former may sometimes be necessary for relief in acute cases.

Since, as mentioned, the root of the problem is the lack of kabolas ol, I thought long and hard about finding a way of inducing an American boy to get used to the idea of subordination to a higher authority, despite all the influence to the contrary – in the school, in the street, and even at home, where parents- not wishing to be bothered by their children – have all too often abdicated their authority, and left it to others to deal with truancy, juvenile delinquency, etc.

I came to the conclusion that there was no other way than trying to effect a basic change in the boy’s nature, through a system of discipline and obedience to rules which he can be induced to get accustomed to. Moreover, for this method to be effective, it would be necessary that it should be freely and readily accepted, without coercion.

The Tzivos Hashem Campaign has a further reward, though not widely applicable to Jewish children attending Hebrew schools. This, too, has already been alluded to by our Sages, in their customary succinct way, by saying that a person born with a violent nature should become a (bloodletting) physician, or a shochet, or a mohel – in order to give a positive outlet to their strong natural propensity (T. B. Shabbos 156a).Thus, children that might be inclined to aggressiveness and hence easy candidates for street gangs, and the like, would have a positive outlet by diverting their energy in the right direction.

This brings us to the point that although the ideal of peace is so prominent in the Torah, as mentioned, the fact is that G-d designed and created the world in a way that leaves man subject to an almost constant inner strife, having to wage relentless battle with the Yetzer Hora. Indeed, the Zohar points out that the Hebrew term for bread-lechem— is derived from the same root that denotes “war,” symbolizing the concept of the continuous struggle between the base and sublime natures in man, whether he eats his bread as a glutton, in a way an animal eats its food, or on a higher level – to keep the body healthy in order to be able to do what is good and right in accordance with the Will of the Creator.

This is the only kind of “battle” the Tzivos Hashem are called upon to wage. By the same token, the only “secret weapon” they are encouraged to use is strict Shabbos observance and other mitzvos which have been the secrets of Jewish strength throughout the ages.

Our experience with Tzivos Hashem – wherever the ideas has been implemented in the U. S. A. and Canada, Eretz Yisroel and in many parts of the world – has completely convinced us of its most successful positive results, with no negative side-effects whatever. I can only hope that it would be adopted in other sectors, outside of Lubavitch, in growing numbers.

When reading excerpts from this letter we see the Rebbe’s deep concern for the attitudes of the young men and women of the generation. We see that Tzivos Hashem was not founded to create competition in learning; the main purpose was to attend to the most burning issue of our time, personal responsibility. We also see his great care and concern to instill in them this kabolas ol, this sense of respect for authority. After reading this response, we can now ask ourselves what happens with our children after Bar and Bas Mitzva. Does this approach continue on into their teenage years? The challenge is twofold. First, do these young adults feel that sense of personal responsibility, of kabolas ol? What about fear of Heaven, of yiras Shomayim? We know from the 41st chapter of the Tanya how essential it is to instill and incorporate a fear of Heaven, a yiras Shomayim into our service of Hashem. The love of Hashem alone not preceded by fear does not suffice. Nowadays, people only want to hear about love of Hashem. We have a great challenge in following through with the Rebbe’s campaign into the adult years.

Love of Hashem is the great motivator for all positive mitzvahs. Fear and awe of Hashem gives us this strength to refrain from transgressing negative mitzvos. The Rebbe instilled and instituted within us that we are in Hashem’s Army and we are responsible.

Parents play in a central role in making sure we are successful in implanting this perspective within each and every child, and keeping it there, especially during the teenage years. So next time supper time rolls around in the house will we offer our children five options and let them choose or will we use our best judgment? Nowadays if our children don’t want what we prepared we offer them something else, and if that doesn’t work a third option. Who's in the driver seat? Is it really in their best interest to turn the authority to them and be under their control? All too often our children feel that if they nudge their parents enough they’ll get whatever they want in the end. This sentiment undermines the Rebbe’s goal to instill with in them a sense of responsibility and answerability to Hashem, their parents, their teachers and their school.

In the teenage years it gets far more complex. If he's the only one that doesn't have the latest version of the iPhone he's pushing for that. If his early childhood was a series of one capitulation after the other to his desires what chance is there that the parents will able to stay no now? Once a child has a smart phone they become the authorities to manage the critical choices of what they see and hear, everything is available on these devices. Although it’s tempting and so convenient just to hand over the smart phone, what do we sacrifice? We see clearly the connection between accepting responsibility, kabolas ol and it's comprehensive effect on fear of Hashem. Further down the road modesty, tznius, becomes an issue. We are asked why we care, when we want to draw lines and boundaries. We are told that we are giving them musar. Every child needs to know their borders. It's not just touching,negiah that's not allowed. What about boys and girls socializing texting and talking? Where does this lead? Appropriate dress as well, where do we draw the line? This is the exactly the Rebbe’s point, precisely what he saw that needs addressing in our generation!

We need to get back to basics. To be successful we need to be unified, in our homes with our schools and in our communities. Our parents and our educators need to listen to each other with respect and help each other. Parents can and should work with the schools and the schools with the parents. Instead of treating our children as political hot potatoes we need to join together for the sake of our children and achieve a state of balance between our community and our institutions. When we are afraid to speak up and reach out, afraid that the only thing that works is love we close down the to the possibility of a real solution. The Previous Rebbe said when we let go this leads to a kind of numbness. We close our eyes and we close our hearts and then even when someone speaks up we don't feel it because we became immune to listening. Our children need strength and clear leadership; they crave guidance even if they say otherwise. To be continued…

We are writing to you about a chasidishe yid living in our community, who desperately needs our help.

Your kids might have had him as a teacher - he has been a mechanech here in Los Angeles for many years. Or perhaps you've heard about his unique way of bringing Torah to life with his hands-on Miracles of Nature workshops that have intrigued and inspired countless children and adults across the spectrum. Or maybe you've simply had a pleasant or inspiring interaction with him, a man known for his darkei noam and simchas hachayim. Even if you're just hearing about him today for the first time.

Rabbi Menachem Rodal needs your help today.

Several months ago he was diagnosed with the terrible disease, yenemachlah, lo oleinu, and he is now going through treatments and fighting for his life. But he needs our help. While he's focusing all his energy to stay alive, he has no income. Insurance notwithstanding, the costs of his medical care are overwhelming. And, as you can imagine, a melamed's salary doesn't leave many savings to speak of. His children are doing what they can, but many of them are klei kodesh themselves and the burden is too much to bear alone.

We are turning to the you, a member of the Chabad community in LA, to help Rabbi Rodal in his fight for life. Please donate generously to help get him through this difficult period. You can donate online at www.rodalfamilyfund.com or by sending in a check to c/o Rabbi Eli M. Levitansky, 2022 Delaware Ave. #1, S. Monica Ca. 90404. Checks can be made payable to: Rodal Family Fund. 100% of your contribution goes to the Rodal Family. All contributions are tax-deductible. The Rodal Family Fund is a DBA of Friends of Kharkov Jewry, which has a tax-deductible, 501(c)3 status.

Specifically: Please commit to a monthly recurring donation to help create the consistent menuchas hadaas necessary for him to get better, without him having to worry about how to pay his mortgage or put food on the table. Whatever you can give will be appreciated - together we can do this!

The brochos for Tzedakah are well-known. The power of ahavas yisroel and ahavas chasidim is well documented. May Hashem bentch you with all the desires of your heart for the good, until we celebrate soon the time when all illness will disappear from the face of the earth, with the coming of Moshiach now.

When we Reveal our Truest Essence
we Bring the GeulaBy Rabbi Shimon Raichik

This last week we commemorated Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimmel Tammuz, the release and redemption of the Previous Rebbe from prison in Soviet Russia. During a Yud-Beis Tammuz fabrengen in 5717-1957 the Rebbe said the maamar “Hashem Li B'ozri”. The maamar explains the difference between two categories of mitzvos; chukim and mishpatim. Chukim are the mitzvos that we do for no other reason than that Hashem told us to, such as the mitzvah of Parah Adumah, the Red Heifer. Mishpatim are the mitzvos that we understand the reason such as honoring one’s Father and Mother. In the fifth chapter of the maamar the Rebbe applies these two types of mitzvos into our daily lifestyle by explaining that they represent two approaches, the general and the specific, in all our activities.

Our connection to Hashem and our dedication to do His will is immutable and unchanging. Our service of Hashem is without qualification; we serve our higher purpose without question. This way of living is represented in the category of chukim, mitzvos not based on reason.

We are also encouraged to constantly ask ourselves the following question; “Is what I am about to do appropriate or is it not appropriate (Es past; yah or nisht)? The second point is represented in the other category of mitzvos, mishpatim; mitzvos based upon reason. On one hand we follow the will of Hashem without qualification. The will of Hashem is also that we should understand what we are doing and why we are doing it. All of this is part and parcel of our unwavering commitment to Hashem and His mitzvos. We extend ourselves even further into the realm of understanding, to infuse our intellectual and emotive qualities with kedusha, not just our higher qualities of will and self-sacrifice.

All day every day we have these two elements resonating within our lives. Remembering that we are serving with a higher purpose and that we carry ourselves as if in an army prepared to do all that we can, is our general mindset and is like chukim. When we render judgment on our particular thoughts speech or actions by asking if the next act or word or thought facilitates and furthers our overall commitment of being connected to Hashem and being a Jew we address the particulars, similar to mishpatim. At this stage our concern is real, to avoid doing things that weaken our enthusiasm or our dedication to fulfilling the fine details of a custom today or down the road. If it does we pull away from that activity entirely even if it might actually be permitted. Although we can't pinpoint a sin, since we are dedicated to instilling our attitudes with strength, confidence and enthusiasm to do the will of Hashem, and this doesn’t help, we pick something else to do, focus on or speak about.

Our reluctance might extend into avoiding becoming an expert on sports statistics, summaries of the latest novels, nuanced understanding of the latest cultural events or what is considered stylish clothes or designer eyewear. By going numb to these things we open up a world of connectivity to Hashem and the preciousness of a mitzvah. Whether it’s the latest iPhone or the latest social media, we can see where it brings us down the road and we act accordingly.

Therefore, when we venture out into new environments and new experiences that are not forbidden, just things that previous generations would not have engaged in we pause to consider why. It’s because they saw what it leads to in the long run. So precious to them is to have a feeling of closeness to Hashem, develop a willingness of the heart and a sense for Chassidus, take joy in a warm chassidishe word at a fabrengen and to have real pleasure in helping another Jew, that they were more than willing to redirect themselves when confronted with such opportunities that lead to the opposite; even later.

What seems today to be the innocent questions of the past; if our mind is in the wall-to-wall carpet or in our rain shoes (‘de kop ligt in de kelashen’) pale in comparison to the present day world with its dizzying array of variety and complicated involvements; but the question remains the same. If our excitement revolves around these things then our connection with Hashem becomes dry, the essentials become ethereal and remote. The transient and the unimportant overtake center stage.

There is a story about Rav Avraham Drizin (Meor) who while being driven from New York to Toronto to lead a fabrengen was stopped at the border. The driver of his car gave his own passport for review to the officer while Rav Avraham was in the back seat absorbed in learning a maamar. The driver did not speak Yiddish and Rav Avraham didn’t speak English. The driver tried to explain to Rav Avraham that the officer wanted to see his birth certificate. Not knowing Yiddish or the word for a birth certificate he said in both English and Yiddish; "He wants your ‘mahus’", meaning to say your identity, your birth certificate. Rav Avraham lifted his eyes off the page of the maamar and said; “He wants my mahus (meaning, my essence)? He lifted the maamar into the air and exclaimed; “This is my mahus!” When the officer saw this interaction he just looked at them and told them they could go. A lesson of the story is that our truest essence is a maamar.

By preserving and expanding our truest essence we go forward with resolve to complete the mission of our times to be released and redeemed from the prison of exile and go to greet Moshiach now!

Dr. & Mrs. Ze’ev Rav-Noy in honor of Dr. Ze’ev Rav-Noy’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.
Also in honor of a miracle that happened to Dr. Ze’ev Rav-Noy on 12 Tammuz. May Hashem continue to shower him and the entire community with kol tuv sela.

As I stood by the Ohel this last Sunday in the corner ripping up the pidyonos brought from Los Angeles (They allow a little extra time. I don't read the personal requests in pidyonos only my own and those I write with special requests for others) I watched three different groups of people coming and going making their requests, each in their own way.

After completing the process I stood there kind of staring at the Rebbe's matzevah while lost in thought and whispering some words, as if in another world. I said to the Rebbe; “I'm here, I want to be connected, I want to fulfill my shlichus, the way you want it to be.” It’s at moments such as these that one can feel as if they are standing in front of the Rebbe. It's not just going through the motions of the reading of the Mayna Lashon, lighting the candle and tearing up the pan, it's much more; it’s about how we are connected. If we take the time and prepare, we are transported to a place that is beyond time and place.

To really feel that connection begins with the preparation of going to the mikvah, saying Mayna Lashon, writing the pan and giving tzedaka. Sometimes we really can feel and be moved at that moment other times it's quiet.

On another occasion, this last Lag B’Omer I was by 770 and the Ohel. In 770 they took out the Moshiach Sefer Torah. Erev Shabbos, the ninth of Shevat 5730-1970 in honor of the 20th Hilula of the Previous Rebbe the Sefer Torah of Moshiach was completed The Previous Rebbe said that we will go to great Moshiach with that Sefer Torah. At the moment when I kissed the Sefer Torah I had a flash back to 1970 at the fabrengen. There it was in front of my very eyes, the connection, now as then, it was real, it was there. The question is; will we live it or will we just leave it to memory.

Back at the Ohel I saw young people, people who were not by the Rebbe. They were not there, but they were nevertheless very connected with a strong and powerful connection. The reason they can be connected is because the connection is and always was something that is beyond time and place.

Rabbi Elimelech Tamarkin was from the Chassidim that the Rebbe instructed to remain in Russia to keep the flickering flame of Torah and Yiddishkeit alive behind the Iron Curtain. During the 1980’s during a trip to the Soviet Union, Rabbi Berel Levy O.H. took a video of Rabbi Elimelech speaking to the Rebbe in Yiddish. He faced the Rebbe with a profound heartfelt request. He asked that since his circumstances have not afforded an opportunity to enter into yechidus he's asking the Rebbe to give him something in it’s place, that should be considered as if he entered into yechidus. He even recommended that it be a nigun. When Rabbi Berel Levy went into yechidus he showed the Rebbe the video. The Rebbe asked him to replay it again. When he replayed the video the Rebbe burst out in tears. The Rebbe said to Reb Berel to tell Reb Elimelech that when he would sing the Daled Bavos nigun that it would be in the place of yechidus.

On Erev Shabbos (Erev Gimmel Tammuz), we light a Yartzeit candle at home before lighting Shabbos candles. It is also customary to give extra Tzedokah on Erev Shabbos to support the Rebbe’s institutions, write a Pan, and visit the Ohel, if possible. We also light the candles by the amud before Shabbos.

On Shabbos, it is customary for men to get an aliyah, to review portions of the Maamar V'Ata Tezaveh after each of the tefillos, and to learn a perek of Tanya before Shacharis and after Mincha. Mishnayos are also said, as by any yahrzheit.

It is customary for all men to get an aliya this Shabbos. Minyanim for Kriah will begin at 9:00 am. The Gaboim ask that everyone please come to shul before davening to get an aliya.

Schedule

Shabbos Candle Lighting: 7:49

Shiur on some mishnayos with Rabbi Raichik before Kabolas Shabbos.

Followed by the recitation of the first few chapters of the Maamar “Ve'Ata Tezave” by Rabbi Bart.

Shiur in the Rebbes Mamarim for the Early Minyan: 9:00 am

Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am

Minyanim for Kriah will begin at 9:00 am.

Lastest Time To Read Shema: 9:23 am

Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:45 am

Shacharis: 10:00 am

After Shacharis: 'My encounter' - Members of our shul will share their personal stories with the Rebbe.

The recitation of a few chapters of the Maamar “Ve'Ata Tezave” will be during the farbrengen after davening.

Mesibas Shabbos For Girls: 4:30 pm

Mincha: 7:00 pm - Pirkei Avos - Chapter 4

Followed by the recitation of the last few chapters of the Maamar “Ve'Ata Tezave” and a chapter of Tanya.

Followed by Seder Nigunim and Farbrengen with Rabbi Sholom Kesselman.

Shabbos Ends: 8:52 pm

After Maariv, we will write panim which will then be taken to the Ohel by Rabbi Raichik.

On Erev Shabbos (Erev Gimmel Tammuz), we light a Yartzeit candle at home before lighting Shabbos candles. It is also customary to give extra Tzedokah on Erev Shabbos to support the Rebbe’s institutions, write a Pan, and visit the Ohel, if possible. We also light the candles by the amud before Shabbos.

On Shabbos, it is customary for men to get an aliyah, to review portions of the Maamar V'Ata Tezaveh after each of the tefillos, and to learn a perek of Tanya before Shacharis and after Mincha. Mishnayos are also said, as by any yahrzheit.

It is customary for all men to get an aliya this Shabbos. Minyanim for Kriah will begin at 9:00 am. The Gaboim ask that everyone please come to shul before davening to get an aliya.

This Shabbos is Gimmel Tammuz. It's been many years since we've seen the Rebbe in the physical sense; each one of us has his or her personal and unique way of reflecting on this day, gaining strength and focus and increasing our connection with the Rebbe.

In general, when we speak about the Rebbe's leadership we see two extremes. On one hand we see how the Rebbe gave his time and energy openly and generously to each and every person without judgment. On the other hand we see the Rebbe's unwavering mandate for all Chabad Chassidim to strive for the highest standards in Torah, Avodah and Gemilus Chasadim. If things were not done the way they should be we would certainly hear about it. One year the Rebbe stopped editing and printing Likutei Sichos because he did not feel they were being taken seriously. With regard to Minhagei Chabad the Rebbe was also clear and resolute. Even though there are many other beautiful minhagim, the Rebbe was clear that for Chabad Chassidim only Minhagei Chabad are appropriate. Also with regard to some legitimate leniencies in Halacha the Rebbe recognized and respected them for others while stating that for Chabad Chassidim there was no room for compromise.

The Rebbe opened his hands and heart to everyone. Once David Chase asked the Rebbe what the Rebbe would like for his birthday. The Rebbe answered that a present for him would be if he would put on Tefillin every day.

Gimmel Tammuz is a special opportunity to think about reaching higher standards in thought and speech and action and to increase our efforts to educate our children. At the same time we think about reaching out and being m’karev others that may have little if any noticeable standards.

When questions arise we have the Sichos and Letters of the Rebbe. If we still need more we have older Chassidim to speak with who corresponded with the Rebbe directly. We don't just look into a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, although it's very important too, we also raise the bar by checking our standards and living according to the Rebbe's directives.

Rabbi Y Kalmanson told a story at a Shiur given this last Monday in preparation for Gimmel Tammuz in Shul. When the Rebbe came out with the mivtza of Tefillin back in the 1960's two bachurim went to Nice France and managed to put Tefillin on100 people. The problem with Nice is that its not the most tznius place, it's close to the ocean, but nonetheless they managed to put on Tefillin with 100 people. When they wrote into the Rebbe about their accomplishment they received a reply in the form of a question; "Who gave permission?" The message was twofold; you should reach out to others but never let down your guard. Always keep your standards high and your priorities straight.

Many think and feel that times have changed. The recent referendum in England, which concluded with the British exercising their right to withdraw from the European Union, known as Brexit, teaches us as Chabad Chassidim an important and essential lesson. The English people have told the EU that they will not define them nor dictate how England will be now and into the future. They have taken back their purpose and declared that they alone will define the English people. Brussels will no longer tell them how to live. This reminds us how important and essential it is for us to never allow our message and our purpose to become diluted or controlled by outside influences. Our constitution is the Torah and our Rabbeim are who we listen to and who guidance we follow. We are not defined by social convention and economic pressure.

We do not feel that being who we are separates us from the world or makes us out of touch with others; quite the opposite, when we stand on our principals and live the way we should we are a light to others and the world at large. By following our constitution, with the light and inspiration of Chassidus that the Rebbeim gave us, we stand firm in the declaration of the Previous Rebbe on Gimmel Tammuz 5687-1927 that only our physical bodies are in Galus but our Neshamos never went into Galus. With that strength we convert the Galus to Geula and reveal Moshiach Now!

Staying Connected
gives us the Power to Succeed
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

Rabbi Greenglass would tell the following story about a student of the Baal Shem Tov named Kopel. His name was Kopel, but for the people in the region he was known as Kopel Shavisi. They liked to call him Kopel Shavisi because of their impression of him, especially the way he behaved in the marketplace. This is because Kopel was in charge of the weights and measures for all purchases in the market. Kopel was the only one that everyone trusted to be the most meticulous, fair and honest to both sides Jew and non-Jew alike. As he concluded each transaction he would exclaim “shavisi!” meaning that the weight was equal and the transaction was legitimate. Why did he use the word shavisi? Because it reminded him that he is standing constantly in Hashem’s presence (Shavisi Hashem l’negdi tamid- I place Hashem before me constantly). They all respected and trusted Kopel because his honesty and his connection to Hashem were palpable in all that he did.

One day, for some reason Kopel Shavisi didn’t make it to the marketplace. Immediately the marketplace was thrown into turmoil and came to a grinding halt. How could they possibly do their business without Kopel Shavisi? It was unanimously decided to cancel the market that day. Without Kopel they simply couldn’t be certain that the purchases would be fair and correct.

When the Baal Shem Tov heard this story he said that this teaches us a lesson in Avodas Hashem. Without shavisi (as in the pasuk; Shavisi Hashem l’negdi tamid) a neshama cannot do it’s business in this world.

Chassidus teaches us that every one of us has a neshama, a G-dly soul that is a chelek Elokai mama’al mamash. Although there may not be a Shavisi sign or a Da Lifnei Atah Omed sign by the shtender in shul to remind us constantly of Hashem being in front of us, because we have a neshama and we learn chassidus we get the strength to keep Hashem forefront in our thoughts as we go through the day.

One the 12 pasukim says; “Henei Hashem nitav ailav- Behold Hashem stands upon him”. If the fact that Hashem is standing next to us and giving us strength is carved in our minds, then we are able to accomplish. If we ever loose sight of this we know that that it’s a sign that we have to learn more chassidus. Learning chassidus prevents us from driving off the spiritual cliff of forgetfulness. As we go through the day we should always be asking ourselves; is this thing I am doing what Hashem wants me to be doing right now? If we think of deciding by what’s most comfortable, natural or convenient we can be certain we have veered off the path. We need to go back to Sichos and Maamarim to regain our footing.

This week’s parsha speaks about the meraglim. It’s hard for us to understand what went wrong, Moshe picked them, how could he have seemingly made such a big mistake? The meraglim forgot that they were shluchim of Moshe. Moshe is the Rebbe and together they have the power to conquer the land. When there is no shavisi, when we forget that we are shluchim of Moshe and in front of Hashem, then we think that it’s better to stay in the desert surrounded protected by the ananei hakavod closed off from the world. At least there in the desert Moshe Rabbenu can teach us the Torah. When there’s no shavisi then we think that Moshe Rabbenu does not understand the challenges of the outside world. We feel that we can't be frum and live in the land without getting swallowed up by the giants. It was at this moment in the midst of the challenge that Calev made a trip to the Ohel of the Avos and begged and said that he wanted to be connected to Moshe Rabbenu. He did not forget shavisi. He remained firm.

The lesson for each one of us is that if we remember shavisi and stay connected to Moshe Rabbenu then we can bring Moshiach. The 15th of Sivan is the day that the Previous Rebbe was arrested. The Stalinists where strong but the Rebbe, one man, stood up against all of them. He also demanded the same from his Chassidim. He was just as Moshe Rabbenu was, not afraid of the giant, Og.

If we feel that the world is too strong to stand up to, then learn chassidus. Connect with Moshe Rabbenu the Rebbe. Go to the Ohel and daven like Calev and you will see that you have the kochos to do it; it's work but it can be done. In words of Calev and Yehoshua: “Olah naela- we will surely go up” and conquer Eretz Yisroel.

The Rebbe strengthens our emunah in Hashem. Everyone can tap into it. We don’t need to say that we did not see the Rebbe and therefore we can’t do it. The Rebbe is giving us the strength now just as before, it’s up to us to tap into it by learning chassidus. This will help us reveal the emunah and bitachon in Hashem that we have and give us the strength necessary to overcome all obstacles and reveal Moshiach now.